A 20 ACT score is a solid score that can help you get into many colleges in the U.S. The ACT Exam test checks how ready you are for college by testing your skills in English, math, reading, and science. If you’re asking, “Is 20 a good ACT score?”—yes, it is! A 20 is close to the national average, so you have a good shot at getting accepted to many schools. Some colleges also give scholarships to students with a 20 ACT score to help with tuition. In this guide, you’ll find great colleges that accept a 20 ACT score, your chances of getting in, and helpful info about scholarships and admissions.

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Is 20 a good ACT Score?

Is 20 a good ACT score? Yes, it’s close to the national average of 19.5, which means you have strong skills in reading, math, and science. With a 20, you can apply to many colleges, though some schools might ask for a higher score. Raising your score can give you more choices and help you get scholarships. If you’re also asking, “Is 20 a good SAT score?” remember that SAT and ACT scores are different, so compare them before choosing which test to take.

What Colleges Accept a 20 ACT Score?

If you have a 20 ACT score, you still have many good college options. Lots of public universities, community colleges, and smaller private schools accept this score. The top US schools don’t only look at your ACT—they also check your GPA, activities, and essays. Some colleges that might accept a 20 ACT score are San Francisco State University, California State University Northridge, and Missouri Valley College. Always check each school’s requirements and work on your whole application to boost your chances.

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How Does a 20 ACT Score Compare to the National Average?

A 20 ACT score is almost the same as the national average of about 19.5. This means you did about as well as most students who took the test. It shows you have the skills needed for college work. Some schools might want higher scores, but many colleges accept a 20 ACT. If you want more choices, you can try to improve your score, but a 20 is a good starting point for applying to college.

Should You Retake the ACT If You Score a 20?

If you want to improve your ACT score, think about taking the test again to raise your rank and get more college choices. The ACT has four parts: English, Reading, Math, and Science. When you get your score, look at each part to see where you need more practice. Use that to study and try ACT Practice Tests to improve. Learn tips like skipping hard questions first and using elimination because wrong answers don’t count against you. If you can’t retake the test, work on making your whole application better. You can also apply to test-optional colleges that focus more on your GPA, essay, and activities.

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20 ACT to SAT Equivalent

A 20 ACT score is about the same as scoring between 1040 and 1060 on the SAT Exam. This helps if you’re trying to choose which test to take or want to compare your scores. Both scores are a bit below the national average but still good for many colleges. Knowing how your ACT score matches the SAT can help you understand what colleges want. Use this info to decide if you want to retake the test or start applying to schools.

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College Scholarships That Accept a 20 ACT Score

You can still get college scholarships with a 20 ACT score! Many schools offer merit scholarships to students with good test scores and strong grades. The money might be less than what students with higher scores get, but it can still help you pay for college. Every little bit counts!

• University of Southern Mississippi – Luckyday Citizenship Scholarship – $6,000/year
• Murray State University – Academic Achievement Scholarship – $2,000/year
• University of Louisiana Monroe – Merit Award – $2,500/year
• Delta State University – Statesman Scholarship – $2,500/year
• Arkansas Tech University – Academic Scholarship – $2,000/year
• Missouri State University – Board of Governors Scholarship – $2,000/year

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Top 15 Colleges That Accept a 20 ACT Score

A 20 ACT score is a good start for college. It may not be high enough for the most competitive schools, but many great colleges in the U.S. accept a 20. These schools offer strong programs, fun campus life, and scholarships too. In this guide, you’ll find 15 top colleges where a 20 ACT score can help you get accepted and begin your college journey.

Note: Tuition fees and enrollment numbers are approximate and may vary. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

A 20 ACT score can still get you into many good colleges. Even though it’s a little below the national average, you have plenty of choices. Work on making your application strong by keeping a good GPA, getting nice recommendation letters, and writing a good personal essay. If you can, try taking the ACT again to get a higher score. Remember, colleges don’t just look at test scores—your hard work and effort matter a lot too!